Perth Western Australia - sun, sea, surf & foodie heaven
Often overlooked in favour of the east coast, Perth can lay claim to the best weather in the country, a very relaxed easy going pace of life, stunning wildlife, spectacular beaches, romantic sunsets and a vibrant foodie scene.
No trip to Australia would be complete without a day trip to the beach and fish & chips for lunch – yes, it might be 40 degrees on the beach but Australia still remains very British at heart, including a hot roast turkey on Christmas day! (FYI, BBQ on the beach on Christmas day is something visitors or recently immigrated folk do). If fish & chips are not your thing on a hot day, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to delicious options along the coast.
Top of the must do list for any visitor to Perth is a trip to Rottnest Island or “Rotto” to the locals. With a full-time population of under 150, this tiny island of only 7.3 square miles is 11 miles off the coast of Fremantle and accessible only by ferry, plane, helicopter or your own private vessel. Cycling or walking is the mode of transport on the island – only emergency and service vehicles are allowed, along with the island bus service. So, what’s all the fuss about this tiny island? Aside from the very slow pace and relaxed vibe, Rottnest has beautiful beaches, great surfing and diving, local historical sites and undoubtedly the biggest draw card are the Quokkas. These adorable marsupials are native to Rottnest (mistaken for giant rats by Dutch captain William de Vlamingh in 1696, hence the islands original name “Rat's nest”). Over the years these wild animals have become very comfortable with visitors to the island – often eating crumbs under the tables outside the bakery or directly from your hand (although this is not encouraged). We even witnessed one trying to open a picnic bag. They are completely harmless and complete gorgeous – sadly you can’t take one home.
If your trip to Australia is short and you want to see as many of the native animals you can, always opt for a day out at one of the wildlife parks – I chose the wonderful Caversham Wildlife Park north of the city. Animals here are very well cared for in this park and are happy to be around humans. Wander about feeding the kangaroos while they find a nice cool spot to lay down and snooze. You’ll find all varieties from the small cute and cuddly wallabies to the giant big reds and if you’re lucky you might see a little joey’s legs poking out of its mother’s pouch. This wildlife park has all the native Australian animals you could think of, and more. Koalas of course, wombats, echidnas, penguins and emus to name but a few. A fantastic day out for the whole family, with plenty of space to enjoy your own picnic lunch and free entertainment throughout the day with shows and the chance to see the animals up close.
The food scene in Australia has developed at a phenomenal rate over the past 30 or so years. Always predominantly British in nature, the vibrant food scene in Perth has seen many influences from post war southern European immigration and in more recent years an increase in Asian cuisine. With an abundance of excellent seafood from the port of Fremantle, to the vast variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, the Perth food scene has exploded into a melting pot of culinary creativity. From local cafes with homemade favourites, niche pop up food markets to high quality restaurants with a view, you’re never too far away from something mouth-watering and memorable in this city. Don’t miss lunch at a beach side restaurant, a day out in Fremantle at the Freo Markets or the cappuccino strip, a visit to the endless number of local food markets or a city restaurant with a view at sunset.
I never leave Perth without a trip to one of my favourite spots – the South Perth Foreshore. A lovely stretch of shoreline along the Swan River with the stunning Perth skyline as a back drop. Everyone knows that Aussies love a BBQ and this setting is perfect for everyone. Oodles of space to spread out the picnic blankets and use the free gas BBQs provided by the council. Every time I visit Perth I get together with my extended family, we all pack up an esky or 3 (that’s Aussie for a cool box) and spend the afternoon drinking, eating and chatting under the shade of the many native Australian trees along this beautiful grassed open parkland. Hire a catamaran, stand up paddle board or kayak, fly a kite, kick a footy, run, walk, cycle, catch to ferry to the city (and maybe spot a dolphin) or simply relax in a riverside café or restaurant.
I left Perth on my travels 15 years ago, and visit home at least once a year, usually in summer. It can be incredibly hot in the peak summer months of December, January and February; however, respite is never far away in the cool waters of the Indian Ocean. The perfect time to visit is October/November or March/April. If you’d like to travel during the British summer, head to the far north of the country, the weather is perfect at that time of year. I could spend days talking about Perth and everything you can do while you’re there on holiday. This is a tiny snapshot of the many attractions on offer, and I’d be more than happy to spend time with you to discuss anything you want to know.
From March 2018, Qantas begin their non-stop service from Heathrow to Perth on their new 787 Dreamliner – next time you’re thinking of a trip to Australia, why not consider a stop off in Perth before continuing to another city.
Stay tuned for the next blog, 5 days in Sydney and a stopover in Phuket on the way home.